The interest rate a seller agrees to accept when providing owner financing to the buyer has a large impact on the note’s value. Unfortunately, many sellers overlook this important decision.

Why Private Mortgage Note Interest Rates Matter

Inflation Fighter

Each year it seems the cost to buy the basics just keeps going up. It’s not your imagination; it’s inflation.

In fact in July 2008 that inflation rate was 5.6 percent higher than in July 2007 (based on the Consumer Price Index reported by the U.S. Department of Labor on August 14, 2008). Worse yet, some basic items like energy increased 29.3% over that same time frame.

So what does inflation have to do with seller-financed notes? Well a seller would need to at least charge an interest rate equivalent to the inflation rate just to break even!

Return on Investment

Rather than just breaking even, a seller desires a return on their investment. By accepting an IOU or payments from the buyer that money is tied up. Plus, once the property is sold the new owner will be the one to directly benefit from any increase in property value.

The seller is now acting as the bank and should expect a return at least equivalent to the interest rate a bank is charging for a similar loan. The seller does not have the protection of private mortgage insurance that many banks require adding another level of risk that should be rewarded by an increased rate.

Since the buyer is saving the costs a traditional bank might charge for a loan (points, underwriting fees, origination fees, etc.) it is reasonable to expect them to pay an interest rate above what a bank would charge. On average, it is recommended that a seller financed note carry an interest rate of 2-4% higher than bank rates to compensate for these matters.

Improves Resale Value to Note Buyers

If a note holder ever desires to sell their future note payments for a lump sum of cash, they will quickly realize how important the note interest rate is to investors.

While investors look to a variety of factors to determine their pricing, all things being equal, a higher interest rate results in a higher purchase price from a note investor.

For example, a seller holds a note with a balance of $100,000 with monthly payments of $1,110.21. If the note rate is 6% and the investor wants a 9% yield then the offer would be $87,641. Now if the note rate were 4% the offer would decrease to $81,623, but if the note rate were 8% the offer would increase to $95,274.

For simplicity of comparison, these examples assume the monthly payment amount remains the same and there are acceptable credit, equity, and documentation. But you get the idea, the higher the interest rate the more valuable the note.

There Are No Take-Backs!

The time to give serious consideration to the note interest rate is at the time of creation. There are no take-backs or do-overs. The rate you agree to accept at closing stays the interest rate for the life of the note. The only way to change it later is to get the buyer to agree and execute a formal note modification. It’s highly unlikely a buyer or note payer is going to agree to have their interest rate increased at a later date (unless there is some advantage to them).

Be sure to give the amount of interest charged on a seller financed note serious thought. It will affect the value of your note not only today, but also far into the future.

When a seller allows a buyer to make payments over time for the purchase of property, it is known as owner financing or seller financing.

This private financing by the seller can take the place of a bank loan or be in addition to a conventional mortgage.

The payment amount, interest rate, and other terms are agreed upon between the buyer and seller. The amount financed by the seller will depend upon the buyer’s down payment and whether there are any bank loans.

Here’s an example of how seller financing works…

A property owner advertises his or her house for sale, either on her own or through an agent.

A buyer makes an offer, and they agree upon a sales price of $175,000 with a 10 percent down payment of $17,500.

Rather than requiring the buyer to obtain a bank loan, the seller carries back the balance of $157,500 in the form of a note and mortgage. It could also be a note and deed of trust or a real estate contract, depending on the customary documents for that state.

The note spells out the terms of repayment. In this case they agree upon 8.5 percent interest at $1,211.04 per month based on a 360-month amortization. The seller doesn’t really want to wait a full 30 years for payments, so the note requires payment in full, known as a balloon payment, within seven years.

A title company or real estate attorney is used for the closing to be sure all parties are protected and the documents are in compliance with and state laws.

Bank Loan Vs Seller Financed Mortgage Notes

Because the buyer is making payments to the seller rather than an institutional lender, the legal arrangement is called a private mortgage, seller carry-back, installment sale, or owner financing.

The seller has the same mortgage rights as a bank, so if the buyer does not make payments, the seller can foreclose and take the property back.

When the seller prefers cash today rather than payments over time, the rights to future payments can be sold or assigned to a note investor on the secondary market.

When a property isn’t selling most real estate agents are quick to suggest a reduction to the sales price. It is common to see the tag line “Price Reduced” added to for sale signs, listings and ads.

Rather than just reducing price…

consider offering owner financing to sell a property quickly!

In today’s real estate market obtaining a mortgage can be a large stumbling block to home ownership. In the midst of this sub prime mortgage meltdown it is difficult to obtain a loan, especially for anyone with less than A+ credit and a 20% down payment.

While there are many reduced priced properties for sale few are offering a solution to the financing challenges. By offering owner financing the seller can reduce marketing time and maximize price while providing the buyer an economical alternative to bank loans.

The buyer makes a down payment and the seller accepts payments over time from the buyer. In essence the seller becomes the bank and is able to collect interest on the balance financed at the agreed upon rate.

Rather than collect payments for 20 to 30 years most sellers will prefer a balloon payment provision that requires the buyer to refinance and payoff the seller in 3 to 5 years. The seller also has the option of selling all or part of the payments to a note investor for cash now.

Back in the 1980’s the use of owner financing increased when interest rates were in the teens and borrowers had troubles qualifying based on the high monthly payments. Seller financing is now offering a similar solution to the financing challenges caused by the mortgage crisis.

Offering owner financing can be a very effective way to reduce marketing times, provided a property is priced at fair market value using comparable sales. Simply add the words “Owner Will Finance” to the advertising and watch the inquiries increase.

Want top dollar when selling mortgage notes?

Increase the value with payment histories!

Keeping an accurate record of the payments received on a mortgage note is essential for knowing how much the buyer still owes. This also establishes a record of their payment habits – with an added benefit.

The value of a note can be improved by presenting note buyers a verifiable payment history!

There are two main ways to keep track of payments on seller-financed mortgage notes: 1) outside serviced, or 2) seller direct.

Professional Mortgage Note Servicing

The first and easiest is to let a professional handle it. The payments are made to a third party servicing agent that keeps track of the balance and sends the money along to the seller. They will also send out the annual 1098 Mortgage Interest Statements and can hold original documents in safe keeping.

The DIY Approach to Collecting Payments

If a seller chooses the “Do-It-Yourself”’ method over a third party pro they will need to follow these steps:

1. Place original note and other original documents in a safe deposit box.

2. Make a copy of each check or money ordered received. Accepting cash is not recommended since it is hard to verify the payment history without a paper trail.

3. Deposit the payment and keep a copy of the bank record of deposit. It is best to deposit each payment separately rather than combining with other checks.

4. Create a ledger or spreadsheet reflecting the date and amount of payments received.

5. Calculate the amount applied to interest, principal, late fees (if any), and the resulting principal balance. An amortization schedule or financial calculator can be helpful. Once calculated, record in the ledger.

6. Send out an annual statement to the buyer or payer along with the IRS1098 Mortgage Interest Statement.

7. Verify the real estate taxes and property insurance are being kept current. Consider establishing a tax and insurance escrow where the buyer pays 1/12th of the annual amount into a reserve account each month.

Why Note Buyers Want Payment Histories

When an investor agrees to purchase a note they will request a payment history. A verifiable payment history can improve the value of a note as it provides proof of timely payments. A payment history is considered verified when it is either provided by a third party or is backed up by the documents and records outlined above.

Unfortunately many sellers fail to keep track of the payments received. When they go to sell the note, contract, or trust deed they try to recreate the history from memory. Without any proof of payments received, a note buyer has to go on faith. Sometimes a payment history affidavit can substitute for a payment record but it still doesn’t add the value of verifiable proof.

Protect the value of your mortgage note! Set up a payment tracking method today.

A buyer failing to make payments on the mortgage note isn’t your only worry.

Understandably, a buyer that stops making payments is a major concern when using owner financing. After all, a seller-financed note is a very valuable asset.

Unfortunately many sellers fail to protect their asset when it comes to another area…verifying current property insurance and taxes.

Next to delinquent payments, the most common default by buyers is failure to keep the property insured and the real estate taxes current.

In fact many buyers will make their monthly note payments but fail to pay the insurance premium or real estate tax installment.

Sadly, a lapse in insurance can be devastating to both the buyer and the seller. If the property burns down and is not insured, the seller will probably never see another payment from the buyer.

If a buyer fails to pay the real estate taxes for long enough the county can actually foreclose on the property. In most states, the lien for county taxes even takes priority over mortgage note holders, leaving an unsuspecting seller high and dry.

The solution?

Verify the insurance and taxes are current and require the buyer to submit proof!

For insurance, require a copy of the declaration page showing the buyer as the insured owner and the seller as the insured mortgagee. Next call the insurance company to verify the policy is current and the annual premium has been paid. As the mortgagee listed on the policy you should receive notice of cancellation but it is safer to verify on or before the date premiums are due from the buyer.

To verify taxes are current simply check the county records using the property address or tax parcel identification number. This can be done with a phone call, a visit to the county tax assessor, or online.

Most documents require the buyer to keep taxes and insurance current and failure to do so qualifies as default under the note. Sellers can demand the default is immediately cured or start foreclosure.

Sellers as lien holders may also elect to pay the delinquent amount to protect their interest and add back to the amount due, depending on the terms of the actual note, mortgage, deed of trust, or contract.

Some sellers prefer to avoid the headache by setting up reserves through a third party servicing agent. This way the buyer pays an amount equal to 1/12th the annual amount for taxes and insurance establishing an escrow reserve account from which the bills can be paid.

A note buyer will also verify the taxes and insurance are current should the note holder ever decide to sell the mortgage note, trust deed, or contract.

Whatever the method, smart sellers know to protect their valuable asset by verifying the real estate taxes and hazard insurance are being kept current on the property!

Wondering just how much your mortgage note is worth? (Learn the Value of Your Mortgage Note)

The value of a note or contract is affected by many factors including the:

Down Payment

Terms of the Note

Buyer’s Credit Rating and Payment History

Type of Property Sold and Its Current Value

Since each transaction is unique, we offer a free note analysis based on your individual situation.

Fortunately it is easy to obtain a free evaluation in 3 easy steps:

Step 1 – Gather Copies of Documents

The first step is to gather copies of the documents. The primary documents utilized in the quoting process are:

Settlement Statement

Mortgage (Deed of Trust, Real Estate Contract etc)

Promissory Note, and

Payment Record

Hopefully copies are easily accessible with the originals located in a safe deposit box or other secure location for safekeeping. If a seller later decides to sell the payments then the investor will ask for a few other documents plus the appropriate originals at closing. But for now these copies will be reviewed for an accurate quote.

Step 2 – Complete the Quote Request Worksheet

The Quote Request Worksheet, also known as a Mortgage Submission Worksheet, is a simple single page form. This worksheet summarizes the transaction with most of the information obtained from the document copies. It includes details on the property type, buyer, repayment terms, and current balance. (Please visit the Quote Request and Free Note Analysis page to print a PDF version of the worksheet or to submit online).

Step 3 – Send for Review

The third step is to submit the worksheet and the document copies to an investor for pricing. Depending on the investor this might be submitted via email, fax transmittal, or an online submission process.

Most note buyers will provide a free no obligation quote within 48-72 hours. The quote is generally good for 30 days and is subject to due diligence, which includes review of the title, appraisal, insurance, buyer’s credit, and other underwriting items. The more information an investor has up front the fewer “subject to” items they will include with the evaluation.

Want freedom from collecting payments for the next 10, 20, or even 30 years?

Prefer a lump sum of cash today?

If you sold property with seller financing chances are you’ve wondered about selling the real estate note. Here’s how to sell a mortgage note, trust deed, or contract in 7 easy steps.

Step #1 Request a Quote

– Just complete a short informational worksheet to receive a free no obligation quote. This can be submitted online, by fax, or over the phone.

Step #2 Provide Document Copies

– To get started note buyers like to see copies of these three documents:

Settlement Statement

Promissory Note

Mortgage, Trust Deed, or Contract

It is also a good time to be sure you know where the originals are located, especially the Promissory Note, as they will be requested at closing.

Step #3 Accept Offer & Agreement

– Once an offer is accepted it will be outlined in a written agreement. In addition to stating the price, the agreement will specify conditions of closing and who pays costs.

Step #4 Note Buyer Review

– The mortgage note buyer will perform a detailed review of the transaction, known as due diligence. This includes a review of the buyer’s credit, current tax and insurance status, payer interview, and other important items. They may also request copies of additional documents including a payment history, insurance policy, and existing title report.

Step #5 Appraisal

– The note investor will order an evaluation of the current property value. This usually takes the form of a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) or Drive-by Appraisal. The investor wants to be sure the property value is still equal to or greater than the sales price. If the value comes in low, the note investor may present a revised offer for consideration.

Step #6 Title Search

– The title search verifies ownership of the property and the mortgage note. It saves time and money to work with any title report that might exist from the original sale date. If the title search shows money is still owed on a prior mortgage it will usually be paid from proceeds.

Step #7 Closing

– When all steps are complete the note buyer will send the final closing documents for signature. The title company is often used to handle the exchange of money for the original note and transfer documents. Funds are typically paid in the form of a wire transfer or cashier’s check. You are also encouraged to have your attorney review and advise with the closing process.

We are Here to Help!

Selling your mortgage note can be a simple process when you work with an experienced note buyer. Just take a few minutes upfront to gather your information and documents and we will handle the rest for you!